Maryland Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers
Protecting Your Loved Ones from Abuse and Neglect
Placing a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility is often a difficult decision, but one thing you should never have to worry about is whether the caregivers and staff will provide compassionate, professional care. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and abuse are far too common, leaving vulnerable residents at risk of serious injury, illness, and even death. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we fight for families whose loved ones have suffered due to nursing home neglect and abuse. If you suspect mistreatment, our Maryland nursing home negligence lawyers are here to help you seek justice and compensation.
Signs of Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse
Nursing home residents often cannot speak up for themselves, making it crucial for family members to recognize warning signs of mistreatment, including the following:
Physical Signs
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers) – A sign of neglect and lack of movement
- Malnutrition or dehydration – Extreme weight loss or persistent thirst
- Poor hygiene – Unchanged clothing, unwashed hair, or strong body odor
- Medication errors – Overmedication, under-medication, or missing doses
Emotional & Behavioral Changes
- Sudden withdrawal, depression, or anxiety
- Fearfulness or agitation around staff members
- Unusual mood swings or personality changes
- Refusal to speak in front of caregivers
Environmental Signs
- Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions
- Frequent falls or wandering off the premises
- Locked doors or restricted access to residents
- Strong odors of urine or feces in the facility
Common Forms of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home negligence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and even sexual abuse, each with devastating consequences. Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, excessive restraint, or any other form of bodily harm. Emotional abuse, though less visible, can be just as damaging and may involve threats, insults, humiliation, or forced isolation. Neglect occurs when a facility fails to provide the basic necessities of food, water, hygiene, or medical care, leading to serious health complications. Financial exploitation is another concern, as residents may fall victim to theft, fraud, or unauthorized transactions involving their accounts or assets. In the most egregious cases, sexual abuse occurs, often targeting incapacitated residents who cannot consent or defend themselves.
Maryland Nursing Home Laws & Resident Rights
Under Maryland and federal law, nursing home residents have rights, including:
Maryland law, along with federal regulations, grants nursing home residents certain rights to ensure they receive proper care and treatment. Residents have the right to live free from abuse and neglect, receive adequate medical care, and be treated with dignity and respect. They also have the right to access their financial and medical records and file complaints without fear of retaliation. When a nursing home fails to uphold these rights, it can be held legally responsible for the harm it causes, including injuries, illnesses, and wrongful death caused by negligence.
Liability in Nursing Home Negligence Cases
Several different parties may be held accountable for nursing home negligence, depending on the circumstances. The facility itself can be liable if it fails to hire, train, or supervise staff properly. Individual caregivers and employees may also be responsible for direct acts of abuse or neglect. In some cases, third-party contractors, such as medical providers or security personnel, may share liability. Additionally, pharmaceutical providers could be at fault if medication errors contribute to a resident’s injuries or decline in health. Having an experienced lawyer on your side is key to identifying all liable parties and holding them accountable.
Seeking Compensation for Victims of Nursing Home Negligence in Maryland
If your loved one has suffered due to nursing home abuse or neglect in Maryland, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses such as hospital visits, medications, and rehabilitation costs. Compensation can also account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. If a resident is forced to relocate due to unsafe conditions, their family may recover relocation costs. In tragic cases where negligence leads to death, families may pursue wrongful death damages for their loss.
How Maryland Injury Lawyers Can Help
At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact that nursing home negligence can have on families. Our team conducts thorough investigations, gathering crucial evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and surveillance footage. We work with medical experts to establish proof of neglect and aggressively pursue justice on behalf of your loved one. Nursing home facilities and their insurers often try to minimize or deny claims, but we have the experience and determination to fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Call Maryland Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you suspect neglect or abuse in a Maryland nursing home or care facility, do not wait to take action. The longer mistreatment goes unchecked, the more harm it can cause. Call Maryland Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us fight to protect your loved one’s rights and hold negligent nursing homes accountable.